CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Staff at St. Herman House are already looking past the holidays and towards the teeth of the winter months, asking for winter gear donations now to help homeless people get through the cold.

"January, February are the coldest months of the winter," said food services director Carl Cook. "We want to keep our citizens warm, we want to keep them safe, and most importantly, we want to keep them alive."

The home for the homeless and needy is asking for winter donations of all types, from coats to hats to gloves.

Cook adds they are especially in need of hand warmers and undergarments to help people layer up in the elements.

"We get requests for hats, gloves, hand warmers, feet warmers," said volunteer coordinator Roy McInerney.

"Whatever people can donate is greatly appreciated."

Staff says it is a matter of helping people survive the fridge temps sure to be around the corner.